[Act I End] LTJG Josh Herrick: Etan in Wonderland
Mark P
(( Underground Ruins, Alpha Brenkelvi II ))
Every room held a slightly different mystery and Josh wondered what this latest one had in store for them. This time, Arlill was trepidatiously venturing toward the spot where Herrick’s ‘ghost’ had pointed.
Arlill: I’m not picking up any odd readings, but just like before I’m also not picking up any mechanisms or electronics. (beat) it’s possible they’re technology is just too advanced (beat) or possibly too old.
Maxwell: Tae auld is where I'd stick my credits, seeing as how ancient this place is.
Etan: ::he regarded Herrick.:: The person who appeared to you, what were they like?
Herrick: Trustworthy; he literally saved my life. But we’re all alone here so I’m not sure if it’s just something taking an image from my mind. (beat) Do we see if it works?
As the three men pondered the question, the team was interrupted by Toxin.
Arlill: You can’t be serious (beat) not again! ::stepping back form the symbol::
They all turned towards him, seeing a glowing symbol on the wall near the pointed-out location. Everyone was now slightly on edge; Maxwell had his carbine tucked into his shoulder and even the commander’s curiosity seemed to be yielding to caution.
Etan: Why do I have a bad feeling about this?
Max panned out a bit to Arlill’s left before chiming back to the commander.
Maxwell: You and me both....
Herrick: I’m not sure what I’d rather right now, the emotional turmoil of the last mission or these spooky puzzles…
Arlill: Yup, it’s a bit disconcerting.
As Maxwell pointed his weapon at the symbol, Josh wondered if it would have any effect if something less puzzling and more dangerous came into the picture. The first officer motioned for Arlill to join them.
Etan: Lieutenant, I’d feel safer with you over here.
Arlill: Yes sir.
The symbol seemed to be triggered by proximity; when the lieutenant stepped back the intensity faded, only intensifying again when the commander stepped towards it.
Etan: Interesting…
With the marine slightly relaxing his weapon’s aim, it seemed like he’d concluded this was more science than imminent danger.
Maxwell: Commander.....
Etan: Lieutenant, :: he said, not looking away from the glyph.:: Stand by the opposite wall and run your scans.
Arlill: Yes sir. ::stepped further back and running scans::
Josh pulled out his other tricorder and unconsciously took a few steps forward. Unless you were completing cellular scans, there was no need to be right beside what you were scanning; however, it was a force of habit for most officers. As the symbol shone a bit brighter, he stepped backwards again.
Etan: It’s reacting to our movements. The closer we get, the brighter it gets- and vice versa. Which suggests that there is some sort of technology at work. A motion sensor, maybe. :: he looked around the chamber.:: But why aren’t we detecting it?
Josh felt the pit in the bottom of his stomach when the familiar clicking sounds started echoing in the chamber. oO Not again… Oo
Moments later, the walls moved in a counterclockwise direction; the clashing sound of stone-on-stone grinding against each other, complimented by more clicks. It took Josh a few moments to realize that they were descending; this room was some form of ancient lift. After several seconds, they must have reached the next level as the walls stopped moving and everything went silent.
Then, a more focused grinding sound emanated from across the room as an oblong door appeared from a receding section of the wall. The commander yelped, which was an unusual reaction from the Bajoran, and Josh looked over to him.
Herrick: ::turning to Etan:: Commander?
The Marine sprinted ahead, kneeling at the start of the arch with weapon raised.
Etan: Obaasan… :: he said, suddenly choking with emotion. :: But how…
It appeared that the commander was receiving his own vision this time; it seemed like their new ‘path forward’ was clear of danger as Max stood up and turned towards the group.
Maxwell: Commander, are you alright?
Arlill: Response.
Commander Etan visibly calmed himself as he drew in a deep breath.
Etan: It was my… grandmother. ::he swallowed. :: I think I understand what is going on. Come on, whatever we are meant to find here, I think we are close.
The commander stepped forward, ahead of the team, and into the passageway.
Even if Maxwell hadn’t seen anything at first glance; Josh worried about Etan. It was easy to get swept up in research and discovery, and he knew from firsthand experience that the officer had his crew’s best interest in mind. The engineer was still rather green from the academy, maybe this attitude to new discoveries grew with tenure. Let’s hope the prophets’ keep him out of danger, issuing a silent prayer to the gods of the man.
Almost instantly after the XO stepped inside, purple-green light flooded in. The walls shone brightly against the officers and interestingly Arlill seemed to take on a brown complexion in the mix of colours. At least light panels were a familiar concept Josh could get behind.
Etan: There is some sort of highly advanced computer system powering this. :: beat :: I’ve never seen anything like this before.
Maxwell: It's a new one on me, sir.
Herrick: Let’s just hope their programmers haven’t left it on guard-dog mode.
Arlill: Response
The team continued a few meters ahead before stopping again, punctuated by a concise observation from their leader.
Etan: Holy shit…
The commander stepped forward a bit, allowing each of them to step forward and see what had caused his reaction. This chamber was 5-10x times larger than the opulent one they’d discovered through the blasted doors. Countless light panels coated the ceiling and walls, which when combined, created the familiar glow that was in the other caverns.
In the center of the room, near the ceiling, was a vast structure made of twisting and curving shapes. A spherical building that was both in and out of phase was situated directly in the middle. It reminded him of when the commander first attempted to reach out to the first sphere.
Maxwell: (with a lop-sided grin) Aye, sir. You can say that again......
Herrick: ::looking at the commander, then at the sphere:: I suppose you want to go up, sir?
Arlill: Response.
[End Act One for Herrick]
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Lieutenant JG Josh Herrick
Acting Chief Engineer
USS ‘Oumuamua
O240005JH3
he/him/his (player/character)